Dear John,

Good news this month as the White House announced a phase out of single-use plastics in national parks. While we celebrate this victory, we continue to push for a more ambitious timeline than the 10 years currently planned.

Speaking of which, laws that ban or reduce plastic are only good if they are enforced. But what happens when they aren’t? Coalition member The Last Beach Cleanup filed two lawsuits this month against California-based Gelson’s Market and Stater Brothers for continuing to sell allegedly illegal single-use plastic bags, which were banned by California voters in 2016. These bags are still distributed by many grocery chains across the state, and no systems currently exist to enforce the claims of their recyclability; though the California Statewide Commission on Recycling Markets and Curbside Recycling has told state regulators that single-use plastic bags are non-recyclable and burden on an already overtaxed recycling infrastructure.

An exciting week unfolded as PPC joined our partners in the Break Free From Plastic movement in Washington, DC June 13–16 to educate and encourage members of Congress to co-sponsor and endorse the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. Together, we all met with 44 Congressional offices representing 29 states across the U.S.

As we head into Plastic-Free July and in the midst of so much difficult world news, we encourage everyone to keep in mind the progress our movement has made in just the past few years. Together we are making a difference, and we continue on towards our goal to create a more just, equitable and regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts.

Onward together,

Jackie Nuñez
Founder, The Last Plastic Straw
Advocacy & Engagement Manager, Plastic Pollution Coalition

★ Calling All TV Writers: Enter the Blue Sky Scriptwriting Competition
Are you a TV writer who wants to share positive, inspiring visions of a better future for people and nature on screen? Do you envision a world free of plastic pollution? Well, now’s your opportunity to inspire change by entering the Blue Sky Scriptwriting Competition! Learn more.

★ White House Announces Phase Out of Single-Use Plastics in U.S. National Parks
On June 8, the White House announced that the Department of the Interior will reduce and eventually phase out the sale of single-use plastic products in U.S. national parks, wildlife refuges, and other public lands. The news comes after more than 300 organizations and nearly 70,000 individuals called on the Department of the Interior to take action. Learn more.

★ Taking Action for Environmental Justice this Juneteenth (and Every Day)
Juneteenth is an annual celebration of Black resilience and an urgent call to action to address long-standing discrimination, including the environmental injustices Black people in America continue to face. One of the most pervasive and harmful forms of bigotry Black communities face today is environmental injustice. Learn more.

★ Pass on “Plastic Grass”: Why Natural Options Win Over Synthetic Turf
As California faces its driest year on record, synthetic turf (plastic grass) is becoming ubiquitous across the state—as well as the rest of the country. Predictably, this has had significant and negative impacts on local ecosystems and communities as the chemicals off-gassed by these materials are extremely toxic to humans and animals and the material itself is a super shedder of harmful microplastics. Luckily, there are sustainable solutions that are drought resistant. Find out more.

★ WEBINAR - Toxic Tours: Virtually Experience the Impact of Plastic Production on Frontline Communities
On June 22, we sat down with environmental activists and individuals directly affected by the extraction, production, and disposal of plastics. To elevate their voices, our partners at Break Free From Plastic have created virtual Toxic Tours, a community-led storytelling and mapping experience on the impacts of plastic production on frontline communities. The Toxic Tours bring local experiences into the digital space to reach a global audience. The platform currently features stories from communities in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Watch here.

★ Lawsuits Allege Plastic Bags are Non-Recyclable & Therefore Illegal in California
On June 3, The Last Beach Cleanup filed two lawsuits against retailers Gelson’s Market and Stater Brothers for allegedly selling illegal, non-recyclable plastic bags to California consumers in violation of SB270, which was voted into law by California voters in 2016. These lawsuits are the latest in a string of attempts by activists, NGOs, and representatives of California’s overburdened recycling infrastructure to see California’s laws regarding non-recyclable plastics enforced. Learn more.

★ Celebrating the Surfers Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution
June 18 was International Surfing Day, and surfers were among the first to call attention to the global plastic pollution crisis. Plastic Pollution Coalition has worked with a dynamic range of surfers and surfer-led organizations over the past decade and counting. In honor of International Surfing Day, we highlighted a few of these inspiring colleagues and friends. Read more.

★ Support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act
The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act builds on successful statewide laws across the U.S. and outlines practical plastic reduction strategies to realize a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future. Sign on to support meaningful legislation to address the plastic pollution crisis.

★ Tell Amazon: Stop Polluting Our Planet with Plastic Packaging!
Oceana’s recent report reveals that Amazon generated an estimated 599 million pounds of plastic packaging waste in 2020, with up to 23.5 million pounds of this plastic waste entering the world’s waterways and seas. Find out more and sign our petition to tell Amazon to stop polluting our planet with plastic packaging.

★ Take Part in a TRASH BLITZ at your favorite National Park this Summer!
Join activists across the country to collect data on plastic pollution in U.S. National Parks! Register your cleanup at any national park from July through September to contribute to a report that will reveal the materials, items, and brands of waste found across our national parks. These results will be used to support and guide legislation that keeps harmful single-use plastic out of our protected spaces. RSVP Here.

★ Take Action Today! Help Stop Plastic Incineration from Being Labeled “Clean” in the U.S.
On Thursday, June 30, at 11:30am EST, the House Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change will hold a virtual hearing to discuss the CLEAN Future Act, legislation aimed at cutting the country’s greenhouse gas emissions to “net zero” by 2050. While the legislation does have some good points, unfortunately, it includes several problematic provisions. We’re especially concerned about the CLEAN Future Act classifying waste incineration as a form of low-carbon energy—effectively undermining plastic and other waste-reduction measures, in addition to sabotaging clean energy goals. Take Action Here!

★ July Webinar: The Challenges & Opportunities of Making Your Business Plastic Free
Starting and managing a business is hard work, and it can be especially challenging if you want to provide products and services that are not encased in toxic plastic. From skin & hair care products to food and cosmetics—plastic is so ubiquitous it can seem like the only option. Fortunately, it isn’t! Join us July 27, 2022 for a special webinar discussion with business owners who have succeeded in going plastic free. Hear them explain how they did it and how you can too. Special thanks to Pangea Organics for sponsoring the webinar. Sign up.

★ Double Your Impact by August 31
We are happy to announce that The Giving List and sustainable textile company Coyuchi will be matching donations up to a total of $2,500 in recognition of our work to combat the plastic pollution crisis impacting our communities and globe. All donations up to a total of $2,500 will be matched through August 31. To be eligible for the match, please use this donation link, so we can track these to receive the full match. Thank you for your support!